cracks in grount

Dear Vicky:

“ I have notice hairline cracks in the grout. What is the cause of this? ”

Either it was an old batch (expired) of grout. Or the installer mixed it too thin and/or with water only.

No matter what the reason is, it is vital to the survival of your stall to have the problem addressed right away. In the meantime, stop using that shower effective immediately. The last thing that you want to have is water finding its way behind and under your tiles.

My best advice is to have the entire grout removed and replaced with color-matching (almond?) caulk instead. If done properly, it will solve your problem for good. I've done that in my own marble shower stall almost 7 years ago and never had a problem since! And the “grout” is still like brand-new.

Like I always say, the installation of a shower stall is always overwhelmingly more important than the stone itself.

Now remember, it's never too early to think about the proper maintenance of your stone. The issue of what you'll be doing day in and day out to your stone is – as it should be intuitive – vastly more important than its sealing (if and when possible and/or advisable) and it's all too often neglected. As you can tell by reading many of this site's postings, you're not likely to get good information about routine care from your dealer or installer. Don't become another statistic! By logging into the Helpful Hints section of our website at:   http://www.mbstone.com/HH_promo/helpful_hints.htm , you will be able to get the short version of our maintenance guidelines at no charge. The full version of it – a 7-page document considered by many as an industry benchmark – is available in pay-per-download format in our Educational Literature section at:   http://www.mbstone.com/literature/literature.htm .  

And remember, every single penny of the cost of the literature will be used to support this site and its cause: your cause.

While you are in the “Helpful Hints” section, do spend some time reading all of the interesting FREE articles you'll find in there!

Finally, keep in mind that we need your support to help us helping you!

Will you please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?    

By spreading the word about this valuable site among your friend & family and the stone trades' people you've been dealing with, you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!

Thank you  

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli